I wonder how many modellers out there have often been tempted to try to build their own speed controllers, sound modules, mixers and so forth but who have been put off by the lack of understanding of electronics. On a few occasions whilst at the lakeside I have been asked why I personally prefer to build my own electronics from electronic kits. I suppose part of the reason is self-satisfaction. To me, it adds that extra special touch - to know that you haven't only built the model - from kit or scratch, but also, you have had some input in building the electronics to go with the model.
So, this short topic is aimed at those folk who have no electrical experience or have some but who are just too nervous of making a mistake - to encourage them into the field of building - and to make that short step forward into electronics - this other interesting part of our hobby.
Before we start, a few outliners:
This isn't aimed at trying the explain what each electrical component does
its not aimed at what is the best component for the job nor is it aimed at the best manufacturer of kits. Same goes for the tools I have selected to use, these are the basics which I think you may require. So, let us start:
The kit I am building here is the ACTion mixer unit.A selection of tools - I believe these are the minimum you will require to build a kit -
magnifying glass, that is for the shortsighted like me - cos some of the components are very small.
There are long-nosed tweezers,
there are side cutters,
long-nosed pliers, & most importantly the soldering iron.
The soldering iron I prefer for the kits is a thin nosed one. Antex 250 V 15W
crocodile clips used as heat sinks - these are optional
Multi-meter again optional, you dont really need it to build a kit, but they have more uses apart from using them for kit building.
A suede brush, brush with brass bristles - this is used for cleaning the back of the printed circuit board when you have finished.
The Kit:
The kit I picked is an ACTion mixer unit the P40C. In the photograph you will what you get with the kit and what you don't get.
You get all the electrical components, plus the casings.
Several sheets of written instructions for building and suggestions
Components check list
Couple of sticky badges.
What you don't get - but you can order them from the supplier
solder, leads, nor the plugs
happy building